As a consequence of the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among children and adolescents in India (about 1 in 10), the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global campaign to raise awareness. However, despite the severity and quantity of mental disorders among Indian children, there is a huge treatment gap.
Children’s mental problems may be challenging to diagnose since normal childhood development includes changes over time. They are still digesting how to cope, adapt, and connect to people and the world. Shyness, anxiety, odd dietary habits, and angry outbursts are all common indicators of mental disease in children. They may be distinguished from non-problematic behavior by their duration, age, and impact on the child’s and family’s capacity to function.
In India, between 14 and 20% of youngsters suffer from mental illnesses. The problem of childhood depressive symptomatology is becoming increasingly severe owing to society’s lack of understanding of mental health. However, because it is still an “adult issue,” children are more dangerous.
These are also why parents are more likely to address the problem and recognize their child’s mental health concerns. In addition, the functioning of a kid at home, school, and peers might be used to diagnose a mental condition.
Here are some warning indicators for parents
- Inability or unwillingness to disclose their sentiments to you
- Sleep disturbances, emotional or verbal outbursts
- Suddenly, emotions and terror accompanied a speeding heart and shallow breathing.
- Negative thinking, self-criticism, or death or dying discourse
- Difficulty concentrating
Mentally sick children’s prospects
It is critical to promote guidelines for enhancing social-health care for children from infancy through maturity. First, diagnose and treat mental problems in children through educational or occupational initiatives, individual psychotherapies (interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy), and effective drugs.
Younger children generally feel more comfortable when their caretakers and family examine and treat their kids. Having supportive adults, solid, consistent family influences interactions, good coping abilities, and emotional control are all protective factors for youth mental illness.
Good mental health permits children and adolescents to grow into sound, healthy individuals. So if your kid has a mental condition, remember that you’re not alone and that you may have a healthy, active social life.